Home Buyers Information Guide
Home Inspection for Home Buyers
Freddie Mac - A Consumer Home Inspection Kit
"This kit offers insights that will help you make an informed decision in your choice of a home....The consumer home inspection does not replace the professional home inspection. You do the consumer home inspection before making an offer to purchase a home. Once you conduct your own consumer home inspection and make a decision to buy a particular home, you will sign a contract and have the home you've selected professionally inspected. The professional home inspector gives you an objective and comprehensive report before closing.
In addition, you may want to have the home tested for possible environmental hazards which are not usually visible, including, lead in the water, lead in paint, asbestos, radon or other toxic materials. "

US Department of Housing and Urban Development
US Environmental Protection Agency - About Indoor Air - Mold
US Environmental Protection Agency - About Lead in Paint, Dust & Soil
US Environmental Protection Agency - About Water and Pollutants
US Environmental Protection Agency - About Radon